When MPNZ's load shedding percentage exceeds 75%, the bar on the graph should move into a red zone. It signals the USI transmission grid is approaching peak loading and as MPNZ's load shedding percentage approaches 100% there is a reasonable likelihood of new chargeable peak periods occurring.

When the end of the bar is red MPNZ is deploying its maximum load control capability (100%). The longer MPNZ load shedding remains at 100% the more likely new chargeable peak periods will occur on the USI grid. This forms a reasonable signal for consumers to manage their load and to continue doing so until the bar on graph moves down from 100% and ceases to be red at the end.

When the whole bar is white (0%) MPNZ is not controlling any load and the grid will be operating at normal load levels. This bar is updated every 5 minutes.

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$20,000 Community Fund now open!

The 2017 MainPower Community Fund is now open!

Now in its third year, the Community Fund is open to community groups, charities, cultural organisations and schools that operate in the North Canterbury and Kaikoura region. Members of the public can cast votes for up to three groups that they think are deserving of a financial boost. Once voting closes on Friday 1 September 2017, the $20,000 fund will be divided proportionately between the groups who receive the most votes.

MainPower Chief Executive Bruce Emson said that a number of groups have already benefitted from the annual Community Fund, including 2016 recipients, the Amberley Community Pool Society, North Canterbury Academy of Music, Sefton School and North Canterbury Riding for the Disabled.

“Since we introduced the Community Fund in 2015, we’re received almost 5,000 individual votes for a variety of groups, from emergency services, to animal welfare organisations. The great thing about the Community Fund is that it puts power in the hands of the community to decide what causes are most important to them and where the money will ultimately end up.”